Arsenal put 3 past Leeds to progress to the next round of the FA Cup. 2 screamers on either side of the pitch and goals from Samir Nasri and RVP completed the scoring.
As usual the game started with a fast tempo. I guess it was obvious that Simon Grayson told his team to intensely press- a tactic which is one of the only kryptonites to our game play. But in the 4th min, our captain for the night -Samir Nasri got his 14th goal for the season. After Chamakh cleverly left Arshavins return pass, the Frenchman intercepted the ball before going pass 2 players in the box and slotting home calmly..
In the 10th min, a great header from Chamakh was saved by Kasper Schmeichal. We were bossing the game, especially in the middle of the park. In the 21st min Arshavin made a nice turn before firing a low shot at Kasper, but the goalie did well to save. In the 26th min, we should have got our 2nd. Sagna’s low cross was just begging to be touched into an empty net but Nikko could not time his slide. Another chance thrown away!
In the 34th min we got our 2nd, and what a goal it was. Just when Leeds were getting into the game, Sagna’s driven shot from the right side of the box was deflected by Kasper Schmeichal into the net. Elland Road became mute. But the crowd found their voices about 2 mins later when Bradly Johnson scored a 30 yard screamer, giving his time a super lifeline. Elland road was rocking again!
When the second half started, their tactic was the same: To press and not allow us any time on the ball. This was working as we got our first ‘real’ chance in the 52nd min. Chamakh rolled the ball to Nasri, and the Frenchman subsequently gave it to Arshavin to shoot. Sadly, a brilliant clearance by Snodgrass prevented the Russian from taking his shot. It was a good chance, but thrown away as usual.
In the 58th min, Arshavin got another chance, but his shot was to the heavens. The Russian did see the funny side of it, but I’m not sure we did. It was not pretty football after that, we did not do much with the ball. On the other hand Leeds were giving it their all and could have scored on a few occasions. With 20 mins to go, the boss took out Arshavin and Chamakh, for Cesc and RVP.
And after exactly 1 min and 51 seconds, Cesc earned us a free kick which he marginally put wide, although I think the goalie had it covered anyway. In the 76th min, the Flying Dutchman – Robin Van Persie headed home a Nikko cross after peeling off his defender to make it 3-1 to the Gunners. 2 substitutions from AW to inject some life into the game certainly did work. Well, at least RVP scored.
As we entered the 80th min we began playing the possession game. Running down the clock the usual Arse’ way until it was time.
Full time at Elland Road : Leeds United 1 – 3 Arsenal FC
Next up, Wigan at the Emirates..
Watch the goals from Leeds 1-3 Arsenal
Cheers,
